Skin Cancer Rates Rising

From 2000 to 2010, rates of non-melanoma skin cancer—basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma—increased 263 percent and 145 percent respectively, according to a recent report from the Mayo Clinic. Women between the ages of 30 and 49 experienced the greatest increase in basal cell carcinoma diagnoses, while women aged 40-59 and 70-79 experienced the highest increase in squamous cell carcinomas. Men experienced a slight decline in squamous cell carcinomas, but an increase in basal cell carcinomas.

For the study, researchers compared skin cancer data from 2000-2010 to two earlier time periods—1976-1984 and 1985-1992. Exposure to UV rays—from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds—increases skin cancer risk and the damage accumulates over time.

Tanning—on the beach, in the backyard, or in the booth—has led to an increase in skin cancer of the torso, arms, and legs. In the past, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were more commonly found on the head and neck. It’s important to reduce exposure to harmful UV rays—which reach the ground even on cloudy days—by regularly wearing sunscreen on all exposed areas of skin.

Tomatoes May Treat, Prevent Stomach Cancer

Several studies have suggested that tomatoes have anti-cancer properties. For example, research has shown that lycopene—the carotenoid that gives tomatoes their red color—may help fight cancer. Now, a new study suggests whole tomato extract may help treat—and even prevent—cancer of the stomach (gastric cancer).

According to researchers, whole extracts from San Marzano and Corbarino tomatoes can prevent the growth of stomach cancer cells, reduce the cells’ malignant properties—inhibiting the ability of the cancer cells to spread—and destroy cancer cells.
Results of the study were published in the Journal of Cellular Physiology.

Researchers determined that a number of components in tomatoes—including lycopene—are beneficial. Additional studies are needed to determine if certain tomato varieties have different effects on cancer.

Recent Measles Outbreak Linked to Past Anti-Vaccine Efforts

According to health officials in Minnesota, a recent outbreak of measles—which has affected dozens, mostly children under the age of 17—can be traced to an anti-vaccine campaign targeting Somali-Americans. While the Minnesota Department of Health reported just 56 cases of measles from 1997 to 2016, so far in 2017, there have been 54 confirmed cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that measles is highly contagious—up to 90 percent of unvaccinated individuals will contract the disease if exposed to the virus. The current outbreak in Minnesota has been traced back to 2008 when local news organizations reported Somali-American children accessed special needs services at a higher rate than other ethnicities. This spurred concerns about a possible link between the measles vaccine and an increased risk for autism spectrum disorders—a false theory that has been disproven by study after study—and led to a decline in vaccination rates in Somali-American children.

Last year, the Pan American Health Organization declared measles “eliminated” from the Americas. However, although the disease no longer originates in the United States, it can spread from other areas of the world to people who have not been vaccinated. The concern is especially high in some areas of Europe where vaccination rates are low.